practical joke

noun

1. a playful trick, often involving some physical agent or means, in which the victim is placed in an embarrassing or disadvantageous position.

practical joke

noun

1. a prank or trick usually intended to make the victim appear foolish

Derived Forms

• practical joker, noun

Other Words From

• practical joker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of practical joke¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

"The genius of Kubrick is that he manages to keep things complicated enough that we too are under Jack’s narcissistic spell and that his demise leaves us with a weird feeling. For he too, in the end, is a victim. And the twist is that no industry has more contributed to cultivating narcissism through misguided imagery, than cinema itself under capitalism. Kubrick understood all this, but this is more than just a practical joke on the audience, of course."

From Salon

We both worked hard but never prioritized our careers over a beautiful experience, a meaningful conversation, a unique meal, a practical joke.

From Los Angeles Times

Needless to say, the entire episode - which sounds like a youthful practical joke gone wrong, but took place when the candidate was 60 - is odd.

From BBC

We both worked hard but never prioritized our careers over a beautiful experience, a meaningful conversation, a unique meal, a practical joke.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's more likely a practical joke or someone attempting to create a smear campaign," he explained.

From BBC

Related Words

• prank